tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60828561534921416242017-09-24T21:56:36.619+01:00www.maidencombe.netMR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.comBlogger808125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-68707584574949757482017-09-24T21:56:00.002+01:002017-09-24T21:56:36.647+01:00RECONSTRUCTION OF THE SOLOMON'S POST MARKERWith no carpentry skills to draw upon, the reconstruction of a Solomon's Post marker was daunting but as a former silversmith who had work experience in Hatton Garden, I felt ready to make the attempt.<br />Here follows the basics set out in photos as I progressed.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf9SRFvS3hM/WcgWRQr_-9I/AAAAAAAAafM/XsJNJCk7VjoB0_r5tuxGGhBZX1ZvG3vnQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qf9SRFvS3hM/WcgWRQr_-9I/AAAAAAAAafM/XsJNJCk7VjoB0_r5tuxGGhBZX1ZvG3vnQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06924.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting of the pyramid cap.</td></tr></tbody></table>The 4 inch beam had to be thoroughly dried indoors for several months and then fine sanded smooth.<br />Two coats of white matt undercoat were applied, followed by two coats of exterior white gloss. The beam was left for ten days for the paint to cure. Then the black stripes were applied, spacing at four inches.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml4SlrzvbaI/WcgWuMPtggI/AAAAAAAAafQ/iPHbNL3iEuIMTSbDhQTSP_5-0ZAH-vERwCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSC06926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ml4SlrzvbaI/WcgWuMPtggI/AAAAAAAAafQ/iPHbNL3iEuIMTSbDhQTSP_5-0ZAH-vERwCEwYBhgL/s320/DSC06926.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beam dried and sanded.</td></tr></tbody></table>The layout of the letters was next, utilizing stencils to space the legend SOLOMONS POST evenly - no apostrophe was used as in the original post set up.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMF3fv04YfY/WcgaAuGdu9I/AAAAAAAAafY/8qZFeKHT5l4yyu95M5Tvd6UwJOyV-ADdgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06934.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMF3fv04YfY/WcgaAuGdu9I/AAAAAAAAafY/8qZFeKHT5l4yyu95M5Tvd6UwJOyV-ADdgCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06934.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lettering layout.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWXdw8-VwEI/WcgaVmDVQoI/AAAAAAAAafc/O1EqMm-2zTwT23LegxMdU27m9DRuDrk0wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cWXdw8-VwEI/WcgaVmDVQoI/AAAAAAAAafc/O1EqMm-2zTwT23LegxMdU27m9DRuDrk0wCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06964.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two inch lettering applied.</td></tr></tbody></table>Finally, the Solomon's Post marker is displayed in my living room, whereupon my mother, thinking I had appropriated the original sign, exclaimed: 'Do they (authorities) know you've got that?'<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu3CtB591Tc/Wcga6eKEgiI/AAAAAAAAafk/Cz0w9NlhZio2GbG2f6OJn5FWLgRIJmfbQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vu3CtB591Tc/Wcga6eKEgiI/AAAAAAAAafk/Cz0w9NlhZio2GbG2f6OJn5FWLgRIJmfbQCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06971.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The reconstructed Solomon's Post marker in my living room.</td></tr></tbody></table>So, fifty years after it was removed and presumably destroyed, the historical marker comes back to life.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-32947804204131056202017-09-24T18:03:00.000+01:002017-09-24T18:03:44.778+01:00THE SOLOMON'S POST PROJECT<div><b>THE SOLOMON'S POST PROJECT</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>History</b></div><div>The old black and white wooden sign posts - so evocative of the era - that served the rural hamlet of Maidencombe were replaced by more 'modern' metal road signage in the mid sixties. Notably, a major casualty was the non fingerpost Solomon's Post which stood at the junction of Ridge Road and the main Teignmouth Road.&nbsp; Its status was purely historical - being a record of the importance of the major crossing point which would later serve as the site of the toll house circa 1827 after the turnpike was officially designated.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix4WVKyo5eA/WcfYmUChi2I/AAAAAAAAae8/3yBDhYu_30wQ5hd-20wPBjXynTUY21j_gCLcBGAs/s1600/SOLOMONS-POST-RECONS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="226" data-original-width="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ix4WVKyo5eA/WcfYmUChi2I/AAAAAAAAae8/3yBDhYu_30wQ5hd-20wPBjXynTUY21j_gCLcBGAs/s1600/SOLOMONS-POST-RECONS.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reconstruction of the marker post</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div>&nbsp;</div><div>In hindsight, the marker should not have been removed but its relevance and importance may not have been appreciated at the time.</div><div><br /></div><div>The only remaining trace of Solomon's Post is the retained name of the old toll-house, now returned to residential use. The other associated naming was the Solomon's Post Caravan Park in Ridge Road which was dismantled in the nineteen eighties.</div><div><br /></div><div>The bus timetable of the era listed Solomons Post as an official picking up and dropping off point and, in those days of less frenetic traffic overload, the #13 Devon General bus would draw up exactly opposite the black and white post on the bend.&nbsp; With the removal of the historical marker, Stagecoach Devon have relisted the stop (now repositioned further back in a purpose built bay) as 'Maidencombe Sladnor Park Road', thus further fading and eroding the historical significance.</div><div><br /></div><div>The image of the iconic landmark has remained with me for the half century since its removal and I visualize it on the corner every time I pass. I can recall seeing it for the first time in 1960 when, as an eleven year old with a vivid imagination, I really thought that the post was emblematic of King Solomon of Israel!&nbsp; In those days, before the advent of the internet, knowledge, especially the local history variety, was hard to find. Indeed, it has only been fairly recently that I have discovered the origin of the local naming*.</div><div><br /></div><div>The other evocative symbols of past Maidencombe community life were the three K6 red telephone boxes, that through cell phone technology and lack of use also passed into history. Obviously, they will never return but the Solomon's Post marker is quite another matter, such is its social historical importance. Indeed, the central hub of Maidencombe was at this 'Seven Several Ways' junction and not the sleepy combe, sparsely populated with a few farms and isolated houses.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have been in contact with a much respected council officer and he also is supportive of the idea of reinstating the marker.&nbsp; He indicated that Torbay council, if approving such a venture, would probably wish to manufacture the sign themselves, however, with such financial constraints right across the table, it is unlikely that funding would be available.</div><div><br /></div><div>To this end, I have undertaken the task of reproducing the marker myself. If nothing else, the facsimile could be temporarily repositioned at its original location and photographed for posterity.&nbsp;</div><div>&nbsp;</div><div>* See the article&nbsp; SOLOMON’S POST AT MAIDENCOMBE at www.maidencombeunity.org</div>MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-57899817720801411202017-08-21T16:29:00.001+01:002017-08-21T16:29:39.856+01:00GOT MAIDENCOMBE.NET BACKPleased to be able to get our original domain of <b>www.maidencombe.net</b> back today. I 'lost' it after an admin error by the provider stopped me from renewing and I have had to wait to get it released again.<br />All previous archived posts had been lost so relieved to have them back. My apologies for the inconvenience.MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-26284381591019394832017-07-19T14:32:00.000+01:002017-07-19T14:32:59.330+01:00SPANISH PLUME HITS THE COMBEIsolated thunderstorms and flash floods hit Cornwall and Devon overnight, resulting in localised flooding and severe damage at Coverack. &nbsp;They were initiated by a 'Spanish Plume' (very warm air pushing north from the Spanish plateau on a southerly airflow).<br />Maidencombe did not escape but was let off comparatively lightly after 35mm of rain fell in about ninety minutes. &nbsp;Light rain together with sheet lightning at 11:30pm were the harbinger to a sustained downpour of heavy rain which fell just after midnight.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG8yxWecO_I/WW9eSNByfRI/AAAAAAAAaeU/jot7Yxq0XyElNwhsC3FnmOGIfC_QuKA-wCLcBGAs/s1600/Sheet%2Blightning.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wG8yxWecO_I/WW9eSNByfRI/AAAAAAAAaeU/jot7Yxq0XyElNwhsC3FnmOGIfC_QuKA-wCLcBGAs/s320/Sheet%2Blightning.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheet lightning captured from my porch last night.</td></tr></tbody></table>My extension was flooded after the porch guttering was inundated by run-off from the conservatory.<br />I shot video of part of the thunderstorm from my porch:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxlRp3LrbUgDmHS0MRmQrqyKvzXAlHWGmOE60M72FaYdaeJdVKlUTgGQELk4YBgaq4UQXZ-YIMM1zMoNjoM0A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br /><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-21023521233254642842017-07-14T18:47:00.000+01:002017-07-14T18:56:03.211+01:00MYSTERY AT MAIDENCOMBE CROSSA blue<b> </b>Astra Sport Cdti was seen blocking the farm gate below the layby at Maidencombe Cross last Tuesday.&nbsp; It was later moved by the police into the layby where it has remained for the past three days.&nbsp; Strangely, the keys were still in the car and were removed by the police to Torquay police station. With the garage close by, it would appear that mechanically the car was sound.<br />The car remains in the layby with this notice taped to the windscreen:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrTf7FilhHs/WWkCakycjyI/AAAAAAAAaeA/ATavFoRtoVIkMBsnrXi_TvgSFvpRALcFwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="533" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DrTf7FilhHs/WWkCakycjyI/AAAAAAAAaeA/ATavFoRtoVIkMBsnrXi_TvgSFvpRALcFwCLcBGAs/s320/DSC06781.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div>The Astra has a cymru plate so presumably is not local.</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYo1zQaWyJM/WWkDJBLJgvI/AAAAAAAAaeE/41Wfm-m_klg-LUVJzyvS6iW-_Xut9EbcACLcBGAs/s1600/DSC06777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYo1zQaWyJM/WWkDJBLJgvI/AAAAAAAAaeE/41Wfm-m_klg-LUVJzyvS6iW-_Xut9EbcACLcBGAs/s320/DSC06777.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Astra abandoned with the keys inside.</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-24950868528517877612017-07-11T15:32:00.000+01:002017-07-11T15:56:27.545+01:00SOLOMON'S POST CARAVAN PARK HISTORYResearch has been ongoing regarding the Solomon's Post Caravan Park off Ridge Road in Maidencombe. Photographic evidence is particularly hard to find but I have been able to locate an image taken circa 1960 when I first arrived in Maidencombe.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QZs8kqPse4I/WWTYnEh7F7I/AAAAAAAAads/1ZYJRVDzwp8vqRJWNZSYzXOC048VVgFrACLcBGAs/s1600/solomons%2Bpost%2Bcaravan%2Bpark%2Bc1960%2Bunity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="1350" height="131" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QZs8kqPse4I/WWTYnEh7F7I/AAAAAAAAads/1ZYJRVDzwp8vqRJWNZSYzXOC048VVgFrACLcBGAs/s320/solomons%2Bpost%2Bcaravan%2Bpark%2Bc1960%2Bunity.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Caravans at Solomon's Post c1960</div></td></tr></tbody></table><div>This was taken at the time when the site was unauthorized and living conditions were primitive and the winters hard to endure.&nbsp; A few caravans had been present since about 1930 and word of mouth resulted in a steady accumulation of these most basic forerunners of 'affordable housing'.&nbsp; In the photo (above) small, two wheeled caravans can be seen, cut into the slope of the field with the backdrop of the Stoke valley below. Tiny wooden sheds served as privies.&nbsp; A few years later, larger, more permanent mobile homes moved onto the site and water and electricity installed. These upgrades ultimately would result in the demise of the caravan park. I can remember that these later homes were towed onto the site and had concrete footings, making them permanent dwellings.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the early sixties, the authorities took an interest and the owners were forced to make an application to the local planning authority to license the field off Ridge Road as a legally permissible caravan park.&nbsp; This was granted on March 4th 1963, but after objections and several legal rulings, the permission was withdrawn and the site was cleared in the late eighties.</div><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-65598445857632001122017-06-11T21:20:00.000+01:002017-06-11T21:20:13.626+01:00BOUNDER IN THE BAYYou may be wondering what the ship lying off Maidencombe for nearly a fortnight is doing there.&nbsp; The Antigua &amp; Barbuda flagged general cargo ship Bounder is apparently 'awaiting orders', which covers several eventualities.&nbsp; The Sanko Mineral, anchored off Maidencombe off and on for over a year was also apparently awaiting orders until it transpired that the ship was at the centre of a legal dispute and could not continue to any port.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0a5PeL6VXsE/WT2lqVKtjuI/AAAAAAAAadc/N0kI8__Yp4YzXU4tVAwjG1A0ZyTP5RhBQCLcB/s1600/Bounder.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="482" data-original-width="640" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0a5PeL6VXsE/WT2lqVKtjuI/AAAAAAAAadc/N0kI8__Yp4YzXU4tVAwjG1A0ZyTP5RhBQCLcB/s320/Bounder.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>The cargo vessel Bounder as seen on June 1st.</div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-38697042257291216012017-06-11T15:46:00.004+01:002017-06-11T15:46:53.010+01:00CHERRY THIEVESIt's that time of year when the cherry thieves strike in my garden.&nbsp; I have five trees and every year without fail, various sweet tooth birds swoop to strip the trees bare.&nbsp; The main culprits are pigeons though even small birds take their share.&nbsp; Unfortunately, cherries do not ripen off the tree so picking green unripe ones is not an option.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lKA8rOrBSQ/WT1XXrDs63I/AAAAAAAAadQ/yvDm_hxdi8wqHaOT9v5Hpgm7SvwiIEbWgCLcB/s1600/owl%2Bdeter%2B640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7lKA8rOrBSQ/WT1XXrDs63I/AAAAAAAAadQ/yvDm_hxdi8wqHaOT9v5Hpgm7SvwiIEbWgCLcB/s320/owl%2Bdeter%2B640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>My kitchen owl perched on a cherry tree.</div></td></tr></tbody></table>This year, I have enlisted the help of my kitchen 'owl' to see if he can protect my crop on one tree at least. &nbsp; I'll let you know how he gets on...MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-62542718608407701332017-06-10T16:23:00.001+01:002017-06-10T16:23:56.625+01:00BACK IN BUSINESSI am glad to report that the new domain of www.maidencombe.org.uk is now functioning correctly. There were redirect problems with the DNS settings which have now been resolved.MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-87087373159564959492017-05-30T22:33:00.001+01:002017-05-30T22:33:28.508+01:00NEW PUBLICATION FOR MAIDENCOMBE COMMUNITY GROUPA new publication by the Maidencombe Community Group will be available shortly.&nbsp; Entitled 'Maidencombe, Coves, Walks &amp; History', it is crammed with descriptions, exclusive maps and a concise history of Maidencombe, courtesy of the first hand knowledge of residents Jim Campbell and Alan Hunt. More details to follow.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KXfxpujAZQ/WS3hm_GSydI/AAAAAAAAadA/PZmvuuwqHWsOWm2QuoAJKCZYmhqh9uD7ACLcB/s1600/FRONT%2BCOVER%2BWALKS%2BMY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1583" data-original-width="1217" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5KXfxpujAZQ/WS3hm_GSydI/AAAAAAAAadA/PZmvuuwqHWsOWm2QuoAJKCZYmhqh9uD7ACLcB/s320/FRONT%2BCOVER%2BWALKS%2BMY.jpg" width="246" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div>Front cover of MCG publication</div><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-65945662120089880242017-05-30T14:10:00.002+01:002017-05-30T14:10:22.851+01:00NEW DOMAINPlease note that our website has a new domain. We are now located at <b><span style="font-size: large;">www.maidencombe.org.uk</span></b>MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-85594821564635306952017-04-05T15:05:00.001+01:002017-04-05T15:05:32.669+01:00NEW FENCING SOUTH OF THE VILLAGETCCT workers have been cutting back and clearing&nbsp;old hedgerows in the fields to the south of the village the past few weeks.&nbsp; Now new stock proof&nbsp; fencing is being erected and hopefully the hedges will regenerate rapidly&nbsp;with the onset of Spring.<br />Hedgerows are essential for wildlife and in particular the highly protected Cirl bunting which is established - albeit fragilely in and around Maidencombe.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-AIpApGZFQ/WOT5KycLRoI/AAAAAAAAacQ/82GxXytmOhAhKjJvyMXihTRPPiQnGb6fQCLcB/s1600/640%2BTom%2BBox.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-AIpApGZFQ/WOT5KycLRoI/AAAAAAAAacQ/82GxXytmOhAhKjJvyMXihTRPPiQnGb6fQCLcB/s320/640%2BTom%2BBox.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TCCT operatives installing the new fencing around Tom Box field.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-24290355530310289642017-01-12T15:09:00.001+00:002017-01-12T15:09:17.062+00:00FIRST SNOW WARNING FOR COOMBE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBBadLNWtj8/WHeb1KEFm3I/AAAAAAAAabk/1_SMAwBqYscLaezkD_yed9PUjgFyPy__QCLcB/s1600/snow%2Bz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YBBadLNWtj8/WHeb1KEFm3I/AAAAAAAAabk/1_SMAwBqYscLaezkD_yed9PUjgFyPy__QCLcB/s320/snow%2Bz.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow warning from 5pm Thursday</td></tr></tbody></table><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-17475118910178293192016-11-15T14:10:00.002+00:002016-11-15T14:10:54.193+00:00GANTRY ISLAND PATH & KERBING - SAFETY ISSUE OR URBANISATION?The further urbanisation of Maidencombe has been realised with council work being carried out on the notorious 'Gantry Island' at Maidencombe Cross.<br />The increase of traffic along the A379 corniche road from Torquay to Teignmouth has made it expedient for residents to walk through the 'island' rather than attempt passage in the road.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2KXYqErr3g/WCsJZU9EY5I/AAAAAAAAaak/CetJkoaufb8VJabkBQEzWWwDFyW1AvsdwCLcB/s1600/DSC06196.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e2KXYqErr3g/WCsJZU9EY5I/AAAAAAAAaak/CetJkoaufb8VJabkBQEzWWwDFyW1AvsdwCLcB/s320/DSC06196.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The island 2016 style</td></tr></tbody></table>In the fifties, the island never existed, being part of Bowden meadow with a&nbsp; five bar gate where the present entrance is today.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XMbjby2dtI/WCHeyD_2j1I/AAAAAAAAaaU/wm2sBBWI87gnt8d3VEivk0cQMLrU_3mIQCLcB/s1600/ADJ%2BCR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="216" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0XMbjby2dtI/WCHeyD_2j1I/AAAAAAAAaaU/wm2sBBWI87gnt8d3VEivk0cQMLrU_3mIQCLcB/s320/ADJ%2BCR.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1950's uncluttered rural feel</td></tr></tbody></table>The funding for the tarmac path and associated graduated kerbing came via Section 106 money which had to be spent before the current year elapsed.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxWZrlmSba0/WCsJir_ZBRI/AAAAAAAAaao/jEH_FjBwgzoIAI2g_rSV3iHIMW3AZvFyQCLcB/s1600/DSC06202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QxWZrlmSba0/WCsJir_ZBRI/AAAAAAAAaao/jEH_FjBwgzoIAI2g_rSV3iHIMW3AZvFyQCLcB/s320/DSC06202.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The unsightly 'Gantry Island' - an urban wilderness</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Though safety is of paramount concern, long term residents can only compare the above photographs with some resignation.&nbsp; The more urban infrastructure, the less rural atmosphere ...<br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-89344115827677174232016-10-17T14:13:00.000+01:002016-10-17T14:27:15.384+01:00END OF AN ERA<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFFBjWTiUow/WATQqwRPWDI/AAAAAAAAaZY/fOHWwWzdgCMunMowLBa3a5AqeJ2v4uvKQCLcB/s1600/vlcsnap-2016-10-17-14h20m18s140.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFFBjWTiUow/WATQqwRPWDI/AAAAAAAAaZY/fOHWwWzdgCMunMowLBa3a5AqeJ2v4uvKQCLcB/s320/vlcsnap-2016-10-17-14h20m18s140.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mick &amp; Fiona:&nbsp; Great service to the community&nbsp; March 2010 - October 2016 .</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Justin thanks Mick and Fiona on behalf of the residents.<iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxJMXQ9u4hGxLjxKqwOPZfBUNSnM53J6ZzZxmSH20N9PtPAHNrPd1bkx46Rdt3EhQ9NB4L2d1tKq22QPWKV6w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-83043300436063410692016-09-25T14:41:00.001+01:002016-10-13T14:58:16.522+01:0019TH CENTURY ORCHARDS OF MAIDENCOMBE<div style="color: black; font-family: arial,helvetica; font-size: 10pt;"><div id="AOLMsgPart_2_bc881816-531e-4e36-8984-1c3f4dd5a1a6"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><div><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;">The names, location and extent of the early to mid nineteenth century orchards in and around the village area of Maidencombe are virtually unknown today.<br /> The old cider orchard off Rock House Lane still exists today, but what of the others that once covered a significant area in the bowl of the coombe? &nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> For the first time,<span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"> the</span></span> locations and descriptions of the <i><b>Orchards of Maidencombe </b></i>are documented:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHNQelWHIE0/V-fKwZWOXvI/AAAAAAAAaZI/sj5kz20AfJ0_yaf8eeqdmxXzfn7lbajJwCLcB/s1600/111TEXT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FHNQelWHIE0/V-fKwZWOXvI/AAAAAAAAaZI/sj5kz20AfJ0_yaf8eeqdmxXzfn7lbajJwCLcB/s320/111TEXT.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>Key:&nbsp; C Cleared&nbsp; D Developed&nbsp; E Exists</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div><div><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;arial&quot; , &quot;helvetica&quot; , sans-serif;"><b>ORCHARD ABOVE LAND</b> (D) Owner: Elias Blackaller Jnr.<br /> The footprint of Five Meadows on the junction of Rockhouse Lane and Brim Hill marks the position of the curiously named (though accurate as the fruit trees would have been raised some way above the cart track) 'Orchard above land'. In the early 19th century, it should be noted that there were no tarmacadam surfaces and all transport was horse drawn.&nbsp; Rock House Lane (unnamed at that time) was a compacted, largely earth cart track and the location of Brim Hill was a continuation of this up to 'Wendy' where it dissipated into pedestrian access to Maidencombe cross.<br /> <b>CHARITY'S ORCHARD</b> (D) (E) Owner: Daniel Codnor<br /> The smallest of the orchards upon which the footprint of the house at Home Orchard in Brim Hill now stands.&nbsp; Subsequently retaining orchard in the name when it was largely cleared for a large chalet style bungalow in the 1930's.<br /> <b>BABBAGES ORCHARD </b>(C) Owner: Daniel Codnor<br /> A long, narrow orchard opposite Charity's orchard and adjacent to the Orchard above land. It was cleared for grazing and agricultural use in the early 20th century.<br /> <b>BACK ORCHARD</b> (C) (D) Owner: Elias Blackaller Jnr.<br /> The largest of the orchards by far, the Back orchard took in all of the land now occupied by Coombe Hayes, Barn Hayes, Mouse Cottage (formerly Byways) and much of the gardens of Home Orchard. It was 'L' shaped and stretched over part of what is now known as 'the Slopes' to the western boundary of the Courthouse in Rockhouse Lane. <br /> <b>GREAT ORCHARD</b> (C) (D) Owner: George Nickels<br /> Part of the Cards farm estate, Great orchard extended up from the present day footprint of Suite Dreams in Steep Hill around the corner and up to the footpath directly opposite the Beehive.&nbsp; It was cleared for grazing and the development of the property Rose Vine.<br /> <b>UNDERDOWN ORCHARD</b> (D) Owner: George Nickels<br /> Also part of the Cards estate, Underdown orchard occupied a narrow corridor running from where Coombe Close now stands in Brim Hill right across the combe to Steep Hill with the Beehive directly above. It was cleared to make way for houses.<br /> <b>ALLEY ORCHARD</b> (D) Owner: George Nickels<br /> Yet another Cards orchard, Alley orchard abutted the eastern half of Underdown orchard and became the gardens for the houses off Steep Hill.<br /> <b>WEST ORCHARD</b> (C) Owner: George Nickels<br /> A far-flung Cards orchard in Sladnor Park situated below Great Meadow Grove House (better known as Sladnor Manor House).&nbsp; Cleared for grazing.<br /> <b>ORCHARD (BARN AREA)</b> (C) Owner: Elias Blackaller Jnr.<br /> The orchard existed where the barn and Linhay structure (c1750) are today. Largely cleared for other agricultural use&nbsp; by Henry (Harry) Nickels.<br /> <b>CIDER ORCHARD</b> (E) Owner: Elias Blackaller Jnr.<br /> The sole surviving orchard in the bowl of the combe today and maintained by the TCCT and local residents.<br /> <b>HOUSE AND ORCHARD </b>(E) Owner: Elias Blackaller Jnr.<br /> Situated in the grounds of Little Thatch (c1800) Steep Hill. Apple trees still present today.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div></span></div></div>MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-38107734757521623622016-08-02T01:04:00.000+01:002016-08-02T01:04:59.933+01:00MEET YOUR COUNCILLORS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz2534qySOKlb2SPyX6tcoTRYiyNDRlyJeqpql5BDway9q-8900oBj-coHAP2fA-cCAu_xp3qGotlo30aCgVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div>For those residents who were unable to make last Thursday's 'Meet your Councillors' opportunity at Brunel Manor, here is their short personal introduction which I recorded with their assent and permission to post.MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-26782181168958584262016-07-13T01:53:00.001+01:002016-07-13T01:57:11.040+01:00MOUSE TAKES THE BISCUIT!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVgGUgWVPv8/V4WOyiz-qII/AAAAAAAAaYU/umtfn2L_lt4Qoh1WhdJjYpZ0m7sR0NcagCLcB/s1600/vlcsnap-2016-07-13-01h42m21s313.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YVgGUgWVPv8/V4WOyiz-qII/AAAAAAAAaYU/umtfn2L_lt4Qoh1WhdJjYpZ0m7sR0NcagCLcB/s320/vlcsnap-2016-07-13-01h42m21s313.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mouse checks to see what's in the tray.</td></tr></tbody></table>I had noticed a mouse darting up to a food tray I'd left on the wall at night but it had always been too&nbsp; quick for me to really identify it.&nbsp; This evening, armed with my camera, I staked the tray out.&nbsp; A few minutes of waiting and then a little head popped up and I pressed the 'record' button. I've slowed the video to half speed to enable clearer viewing. Pretty sure it's a field mouse as opposed to a house or wood mouse. Anyway, it certainly took the biscuit - digestive that is!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxXehRBmLpJZs4nq30fOYGdou2JUono4ddLNN8eih2SlCxeWb6iScPCOVA_428WkGOSl01AlrFMm31pQHI7YA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-57856223520969580222016-06-29T18:25:00.002+01:002016-06-29T18:25:53.662+01:00WARSHIP RIDDLE OFF MAIDENCOMBE<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV-nkwA-lEs/V3QAhnS8kUI/AAAAAAAAaYE/KTFSxhPhiJwqUE3aHsmV8Heq9zd-tW5iQCLcB/s1600/HMS%2BECHO%2BH87.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iV-nkwA-lEs/V3QAhnS8kUI/AAAAAAAAaYE/KTFSxhPhiJwqUE3aHsmV8Heq9zd-tW5iQCLcB/s320/HMS%2BECHO%2BH87.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">HMS ECHO H87 currently moored off Maidencombe</td></tr></tbody></table>It is a usual occurrence to see River-class warships (our regular visitors: HMS Severn P282 &amp; HMS Mersey P283) moored off Maidencombe and AIS cloaked.&nbsp; I noticed a different Royal Navy ship moored close in this afternoon and took a photo to discover its identity.&nbsp; It is H87 HMS Echo, a hydrographic survey vessel whose principle role is to conduct survey operations in support of submarines or amphibious operations.&nbsp; Looking on the AIS tracking site, I was surprised to see that the vessel is showing as HMS Daring (D32) a Type 45 Destroyer. Both vessels have vastly different IMO (<span class="_Tgc">International Maritime Organization<b>)</b> numbers so the error is puzzling.<b><br /></b></span>MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-30236377666649542802016-06-25T14:30:00.001+01:002016-06-25T14:54:51.293+01:00BREXIT REACTION IN THE COMBE<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aTL9C_dU8Y/V26DE0nA0CI/AAAAAAAAaXo/F7qB7wIhtPkVDYe3GrG3Xu7WpMs7Iiy6wCLcB/s1600/Brexit%2Breaction%2Blogo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_aTL9C_dU8Y/V26DE0nA0CI/AAAAAAAAaXo/F7qB7wIhtPkVDYe3GrG3Xu7WpMs7Iiy6wCLcB/s320/Brexit%2Breaction%2Blogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />The historic exit from the European Union on Friday was, unsurprisingly, not without a certain amount of emotion in the combe and environs - almost exclusively from the disgruntled 'remain' camp. A straw poll, taken before and after the vote, indicated the same 50-50 division as that of the national opinion polls.<br /><br />However, I can happily report that all the Maidencombers I have encountered and spoken to so far, have conducted themselves with quiet decorum.&nbsp; On a less positive note, the local (St Marychurch and Maidencombe) reaction on that 'social' networking website has been of the usual haranguing style - all from the remain camp who it seems, had difficulty acknowledging the democratic process.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpxEUZBncY0/V26EV8KiiSI/AAAAAAAAaX0/gFYpXGvBQbEl8teoiGABw0A_7-3JwUg5ACLcB/s1600/EU%2Bscarecrows.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BpxEUZBncY0/V26EV8KiiSI/AAAAAAAAaX0/gFYpXGvBQbEl8teoiGABw0A_7-3JwUg5ACLcB/s320/EU%2Bscarecrows.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Austin's lighthearted EU scarecrow and poll</td></tr></tbody></table>The EU scarecrow (above) and built-in poll which has endured for the weeks leading up to the referendum, predicted the actual result.&nbsp; MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-716662839197938622016-06-06T15:27:00.001+01:002016-06-06T15:27:37.396+01:00BAMBOO MAN STOIC TO THE VERY END<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFO383uJyQ4/V1WHxPPqnBI/AAAAAAAAaW4/Y7WfBqscJG4J9r15wpC9SGYrT2_I5BWkACLcB/s1600/Stoic%2BBamboo%2BMan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GFO383uJyQ4/V1WHxPPqnBI/AAAAAAAAaW4/Y7WfBqscJG4J9r15wpC9SGYrT2_I5BWkACLcB/s320/Stoic%2BBamboo%2BMan.png" width="320" /></a></div>Stoic to the very end, the Bamboo Man awaits the oncoming flames.MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-32062185372445504402016-06-06T14:31:00.002+01:002016-06-06T14:31:21.806+01:00THE BURNING OF THE BAMBOO MAN - AN AWFUL SIGHT TO SEE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyxB8tcZIYX6ux2OHCJHfyXJGOp40Xo0Vty8KdIR6d1wlWgTgWnu_nfuuirrpfflL21Eefpt-mefdmYLGgFLA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwmVBv-X3_0/V1V6ysQvQJI/AAAAAAAAaWo/AWhssi3A--IdM939ewAG4vgaWNJFFWQ3wCLcB/s1600/Burning%2BBamboo%2BMan.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BwmVBv-X3_0/V1V6ysQvQJI/AAAAAAAAaWo/AWhssi3A--IdM939ewAG4vgaWNJFFWQ3wCLcB/s320/Burning%2BBamboo%2BMan.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /> The Burning of the Bamboo Man<br /> An awful sight to see<br /> They Burnt his face, his soul within<span class="text_exposed_show"><br /> I shed a tear for him.</span>MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-10657775780376492522016-05-31T12:50:00.002+01:002016-05-31T12:50:58.497+01:00GREEN BAMBOO MAN ADVENTURE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMjfFm1AR-c/V015k3wgi-I/AAAAAAAAaV4/zaIsr1C7Mpkxdht_1CSvPLxHvy7SfkQDACLcB/s1600/Green%2Bbamboo%2Bman%2Bleaving%2BWendy%2B640-vert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EMjfFm1AR-c/V015k3wgi-I/AAAAAAAAaV4/zaIsr1C7Mpkxdht_1CSvPLxHvy7SfkQDACLcB/s320/Green%2Bbamboo%2Bman%2Bleaving%2BWendy%2B640-vert.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>Too large to go through my gate, the Green Bamboo Man had to be hoisted over the wall and walked down Brim Hill to the village green.&nbsp; Andy Maltas (joint builder of the Green Bamboo Man) couldn't see a thing as he slowly made progress down the hill while I went on in front to warn oncoming motorists of the 'Ent from Fangorn Forest' ... It could only happen in Maidencombe or <i><b>Comeinbemad </b></i>our other apt naming.MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-90731403178961789342016-05-31T11:29:00.001+01:002016-05-31T11:29:08.161+01:00THE GREEN BAMBOO MAN ON THE VILLAGE GREENAs part of&nbsp; Maidencombe's Scarecrow Week, the Green Bamboo Man made his appearance on the village green yesterday evening.&nbsp; Almost immediately, visitors began snapping the strange sight as well as the EU Referendum caricature scarecrow pair of David Cameron and Boris Johnson.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aptfBbuXEU/V01mGcyMyMI/AAAAAAAAaVg/h4CrGRasufkHmgCojO1uQo-P3fXjX_yEwCLcB/s1600/Green%2Bman%2Bscarecrow%2B640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_aptfBbuXEU/V01mGcyMyMI/AAAAAAAAaVg/h4CrGRasufkHmgCojO1uQo-P3fXjX_yEwCLcB/s320/Green%2Bman%2Bscarecrow%2B640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Green Bamboo Man on the village green</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kn4viNq9ws/V01m8-OFq9I/AAAAAAAAaVo/hFg7uA158OAUlQEoodFYzc0tE9Q5fjtsQCLcB/s1600/DC%2Band%2BBJ%2BEU%2Breferendum%2B640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1kn4viNq9ws/V01m8-OFq9I/AAAAAAAAaVo/hFg7uA158OAUlQEoodFYzc0tE9Q5fjtsQCLcB/s320/DC%2Band%2BBJ%2BEU%2Breferendum%2B640.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EU Referendum IN or OUT?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>Scarecrows are popping up around the village so you still have a few days to add yours before Sunday 5th June.MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6082856153492141624.post-14479028507688872092016-05-30T12:55:00.001+01:002016-05-30T12:55:33.171+01:00MAIDENCOMBER REPRESENTS GB IN EUROPEAN MASTERS CHAMPS.Neal Taylor of Brim Hill, Maidencombe was in fine form yesterday at the European Masters Swimming Championships in London.&nbsp; The prestigious event, held at the Olympic Swimming Pool, from May 25 - 29,&nbsp; drew hundreds of competitors from all over Europe and competition was fierce.<br /><br />Neal competed in three events: the 200 metres freestyle, 100 metres freestyle and 50 metres freestyle, winning his heat of the 50 metres freestyle and finishing second in the 100 metres freestyle.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYuF2j0st8/V0wppgEnfNI/AAAAAAAAaVI/cfOvKB38bzUX4P55J6XZDBHhBued4MdHwCLcB/s1600/50%2Bmetres%2Bresult.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xZYuF2j0st8/V0wppgEnfNI/AAAAAAAAaVI/cfOvKB38bzUX4P55J6XZDBHhBued4MdHwCLcB/s320/50%2Bmetres%2Bresult.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Neal's 50 metres freestyle heat result</td></tr></tbody></table>Heats of swimming, like athletics, are tense affairs - particularly at major events - with each heat a race in itself, so Neal did particularly well to win his heat.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jkaMFCsdNc/V0wp8rsb9KI/AAAAAAAAaVM/eJrygmNRlp4TzrLFxvzfiLVBhuhVwUNMACLcB/s1600/100%2Bmetres%2Bresult.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jkaMFCsdNc/V0wp8rsb9KI/AAAAAAAAaVM/eJrygmNRlp4TzrLFxvzfiLVBhuhVwUNMACLcB/s320/100%2Bmetres%2Bresult.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">100 metres freestyle heat result</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br />MR CRUISEDOGnoreply@blogger.com0